Wabash took care of business at Gambier, Ohio on Saturday afternoon, holding on to defeat the Kenyon College Lords 81-73 to earn a home game in the opening round of the 2003 North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament. The Little Giants will face the loser of Saturday’s game between Allegheny and Ohio Wesleyan.
Wabash led by 15 points in the second half, but saw the Lords trim the lead to seven in the closing seconds of the game before free throws by senior Brady Claxton (Shelbyville, IN/Shelbyville) in the final minute secured the victory for Wabash.
The Little Giants rode senior Eric Buck (Indianapolis, IN/Cardinal Ritter) early and senior Joe DesJean (Indianapolis, IN/Perry Meridian) late. Buck led Wabash at halftime with 11 points, allowing the Little Giants to take an 11-point lead midway through the opening period. But the Lords cut the lead to six at the half.
DesJean took over in the second stanza. The senior forward scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half to lead Wabash to the victory.
Claxton added 18 points. Buck finished with 16.
Wabash finishes the regular season at 15-9. The Little Giants are 9-7 in the NCAC.